The Lost Bride Trilogy, #3
The Seven Rings
by Nora Roberts
Contents
Chapter Fourteen
Overview
Family and friends gather for a celebratory barbecue, deepening bonds and aligning around Sonya and Cleo’s restoration vision, including a Poole history gallery and future holiday events. Winter voices protective worry; Sonya vows to defeat Dobbs and claims the manor as hers. After a rainy work-filled week, Sonya attempts to clear the ballroom and is abruptly trapped in darkness as supernatural forces strike.
Summary
Sonya hosts a summer barbecue that feels like family. Over food, the group swaps stories about the manor’s benign ghosts—Molly, Eleanor, Jerome, Rita, Clover, and child Jack—while Seth remains uneasy. Conversation turns to future plans: restoring rooms with original furnishings, creating a Poole Family and Friends gallery, displaying stored fashions, and even seeding the idea of a village museum.
They tour the house. In Cleo’s studio, Paula is awed by the mermaid painting, which Owen formally claims and will take home. The Gold Room remains quiet. In the gift-wrapping room, guests admire Sonya’s paintings and the clever storage setup. Dessert follows a tranquil evening, and the manor stays peaceful.
The next morning, Winter presses Trey and Owen about protecting Sonya and Cleo. Trey and Owen reaffirm they’re all in this together. Later, on a walk, Sonya reassures Winter she’s happy, committed to freeing the brides, and learning Dobbs’s weaknesses. Winter plans to return for the holidays and invites herself for Thanksgiving, lightening her worry.
Rain sets in for days. Sonya catches up on work, exercises in the haunted gym unfazed, and hears Jack play with Yoda. Planning errands once the weather clears, she decides to start clearing the ballroom for future events. On the third floor, with Cleo nearby in her studio, Sonya opens the terrace doors and imagines the space restored.
As Sonya begins, the terrace and interior doors slam like cannon fire and the lights cut out, signaling a sudden, menacing surge of supernatural opposition.
Who Appears
- SonyaHost of the barbecue; outlines restoration plans; reassures Winter she’ll defeat Dobbs; later trapped in the darkened ballroom.
- CleoCo-host and culinary lead; collaborates on restoration; shows studio; her mermaid painting goes to Owen.
- WinterSonya’s mother; worries for safety, urges protection; accepts Sonya’s resolve; plans holiday and Thanksgiving visits.
- OwenSupports the women; praises the manor’s ghost caretaking; claims Cleo’s mermaid painting; reassures Winter.
- TreyBacks Sonya’s safety and mission; teases Seth; coordinates drinks; reaffirms the group’s united front.
- SethSkeptical and spooked by ghosts; helps tour; banters about moving and the convenience of spectral chores.
- AnnaAdmiring guest; praises the gift-wrapping room; hints at future home projects; expecting a baby.
- CorrineReminisces about Collin and Johanna; offers organizing help; donates their wedding invitation for display.
- DeuceReflects on bringing Sonya to the manor; identifies photos; enjoys the family gathering.
- AceProud elder; toasts the hosts; considers the museum idea; recalls past Poole events.
- PaulaPraises food and art; moved by Cleo’s mermaid painting and house changes.
- CloverProtective spirit who communicates via music; underscores the manor’s supportive presence.
- JackChild ghost; plays with Yoda and draws; his presence comforts Sonya during rainy days.
- MollyBenign household spirit noted for tidying and caring for the woodwork.